[rogernickson]

Juan Almeida Bosque, a comrade-in-arms of Fidel Castro since the start of his guerrilla struggle more than a half-century ago, has died of a heart attack. The 82-year-old was one of several Cuban vice presidents and had been among only three surviving rebel leaders who still bore the honorary title "Commander of the Revolution."A statement in government media on Saturday said Almeida will "live on forever in the hearts and minds of his compatriots." It said Almeida died around 11:30 p.m. Friday night in Havana.

Cuba declared a national day of mourning for Sunday and ordered all flags flown at half-staff.A bricklayer who began working at age 11, Almeida was the only black commander among the rebel leaders. He was one of the most important and decisive voices in the battle to overthrow Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, as well as in the early years following the Jan. 1, 1959, triumph of the Cuban revolution.Born Feb. 27, 1927, Almeida was often seen at public events in his uniform alongside the Cuban leader until Castro fell gravely ill in the summer of 2006 and finally resigned the presidency in February 2008. Almeida then became a mainstay beside Castro's younger brother and successor, President Raul Castro.